CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE SNOOKER: JOHN HIGGINS CLOSES THE HISTORIC MAXIMUM GAP WITH RONNIE O’SULLIVAN IN THE ALL-TIME 147 LIST.
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE SNOOKER: JOHN HIGGINS CLOSES THE HISTORIC MAXIMUM GAP WITH RONNIE O’SULLIVAN IN THE ALL-TIME 147 LIST.
EXTENDED 11/02/2024 AT 18:23 GMT+1 BY EUROSPORT
In preparation for his attempt to win a record-tying sixth Welsh Open championship the following week, John Higgins made history on Saturday by being the oldest person to ever compile a maximum 147 break at the Championship League in Leicester. Higgins reduced the distance between himself and longtime adversary Ronnie O’Sullivan on the sport’s all-time career maximum list by winning Group 5 of the well-liked invitational event.
John Higgins moved within two career 147 breaks of snooker GOAT Ronnie O’Sullivan as he became the oldest player in history to compile a maximum at the Championship League on Saturday.
The four-time world champion compiled the stunning break in the opening frame of his 3-2 win over Fan Zhengyi in the semi-finals of Group 5 at the invitational tournament before defeating Ricky Walden in the final to advance to the winners’ group next month.
Fan hit back with 68 and 139 to cut Higgins’ lead to 2-1, but the form-seeking Scotsman closed with 76 and 66 to advance, then overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Walden in the championship match.
Walden won the second frame with a 122 break, but Higgins won the third with 69, and his opponent was unable to score in the final two frames.
Regarding his most recent maximum, in which he produced an incredible shot to land on black from pink in baulk, Higgins remarked, “I felt good throughout the whole break and fancied getting it from the get-go.” “That’s usually a satisfying feeling when it occurs.
Regarding his most recent maximum, in which he produced an incredible shot to land on black from pink in baulk, Higgins remarked, “I felt good throughout the whole break and fancied getting it from the get-go.” “That’s usually a satisfying feeling when it occurs.
“I’ve performed well in this competition in the past, and it’s been helpful preparation for the Players’ Championship and the Welsh Open. The goal in coming down here was to get some game experience.
With the 198 147 of all time, Higgins establishes a new record for the oldest player to make a maximum at 48 years, 8 months, and 19 days of age.
He surpasses fellow ‘Class of 92’ legend Mark Williams, who had held the record since he defeated Neil Robertson in the 2022 English Open in December 2022, making the 193rd at the age of 47 years and 270 days.
He surpasses fellow ‘Class of 92’ legend Mark Williams, who had held the record since he defeated Neil Robertson in the 2022 English Open in December 2022, making the 193rd at the age of 47 years and 270 days.
With 15 147s, O’Sullivan still holds the record for the most breaks ever, although Higgins is only two behind and fellow Scottish legend Stephen Hendry is still in third place with 11.
Higgins takes on Mohamed Ibrahim in the Welsh Open on Monday in an attempt to win a record-tying sixth title.
Higgins takes on Mohamed Ibrahim in the Welsh Open on Monday in an attempt to win a record-tying sixth title.
He claimed, “I felt like I was starting to wilt in the last day, but I played some good stuff earlier in the week.” “After a demanding six days, I’m thrilled to have completed this group,”Against Ricky, I was quite fortunate in the end. I had a lot of luck, which is essential in a best-of-five situation.
Prior to this, Walden had defeated Barry Hawkins with a score of 133 in a 3-1 semi-final match. Hawkins had won four of his six games, with Walden, Fan, and Higgins rounding out the final four.
On Monday, February 26, Walden, Kyren Wilson, Fan, and Hawkins return for Group 6, while Dave Gilbert and Joe Perry withdraw. Ali Carter, Hossein Vafaei, and Jack Lisowski also compete.
On Monday, February 26, Walden, Kyren Wilson, Fan, and Hawkins return for Group 6, while Dave Gilbert and Joe Perry withdraw. Ali Carter, Hossein Vafaei, and Jack Lisowski also compete.
On March 1 and 2, the winners of each group advance to the winners’ group, while the worst two finishers from each group are eliminated. The remaining top four players advance to Group 6.
A spot in the Champion of Champions, which will take place later this year, is also awarded to the Championship League victor.
A spot in the Champion of Champions, which will take place later this year, is also awarded to the Championship League victor.
Watch the best snooker matches live on eurosport.com, the Eurosport app, and discovery+.
Post Comment